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Two Women Extort Hyderabad Restaurants
Women Arrested for Restaurant Extortion in Hyderabad
Two women were arrested in Hyderabad for posing as government officials and extorting money from restaurants. Identified as Neeli Vijaya Laxmi and Boggula Sunitha, they targeted eateries in Alwal and Quthbullapur, falsely claiming to be from the food safety department and human rights organisations. The restaurant extortion Hyderabad has surfaced prominently in this case, exposing a growing trend in the city.
Caught in the Act at Gismat Jail Mandi Restaurant
The management of Gismat Jail Mandi Restaurant at Suchitra X Road caught the women red-handed while they were attempting to extort money. Prior to this, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)‘s food safety wing had alerted restaurants in the area about the duo’s activities. On September 25, 2024, the women were handed over to the Petbasheerabad police station, where they were booked and remanded. This incident highlights the severity of restaurant extortion in Hyderabad.
How They Operated
The two women had been visiting various restaurants, claiming to be from government departments, checking for violations, and threatening action unless they were paid off. Their scam was largely focused on restaurant extortion in Hyderabad, preying on businesses concerned about food safety and government penalties. Several restaurants, particularly in Alwal and Quthbullapur, had been their targets before their capture at the Gismat Jail Mandi Restaurant.
GHMC’s Vigilance and Restaurant Safety Inspections
In recent times, the GHMC has increased its vigilance over food safety standards in Hyderabad. This crackdown came after the women had been impersonating officials from the food safety department. The department of food safety has been conducting surprise inspections at several establishments in Hyderabad to ensure they comply with hygiene and sanitation protocols.
Restaurant extortion in Hyderabad cases like this have added to the city’s challenges, as safety authorities are now dealing with both food violations and fraudulent extortion scams.
Recent Food Safety Inspections in Hyderabad
The GHMC’s food safety department recently conducted inspections at various eateries, including the 140-year-old Nizam Club and Jalpaan Restaurant in Hyderabad. At Nizam Club, inspectors discovered severe hygiene issues, including live cockroach infestations, clogged drains, and water seepage in the kitchen area. Open dustbins, uncovered food items, and contaminated ingredients were also reported, raising serious concerns over food safety standards.
In the case of Jalpaan Restaurant, authorities found expired food items such as mushrooms and poha, which were discarded on the spot. The restaurant also lacked proper water analysis reports for the bottled water used in cooking. This renewed attention on food safety brings focus to the need for higher vigilance to prevent cases like restaurant extortion in Hyderabad from escalating further.
Impact on Restaurant Owners and Public Safety
These incidents of restaurant extortion in Hyderabad not only undermine public trust but also add additional stress to restaurant owners who are already managing rigorous food safety standards. The fear of fraudsters posing as officials is becoming an alarming trend, and many owners are now extra cautious in verifying the identities of individuals claiming to be from government bodies.
The GHMC has urged restaurant managements across the city to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. Incidents like these are becoming part of a broader conversation about restaurant safety, both in terms of food hygiene and legal compliance.
Legal Proceedings Against the Accused
Both women are currently facing charges related to fraud and extortion. They have been booked under multiple sections and sent for judicial remand. The authorities have stated that investigations will continue to find out if any more restaurants were targeted by the women or if they were working with others involved in restaurant extortion in Hyderabad.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The arrest of these two women shines a light on the growing issue of restaurant extortion in Hyderabad. Business owners are being urged to be vigilant, not just about food safety but also about potential scammers targeting them for money. It is essential that restaurants take precautions and cooperate with genuine government authorities to ensure both public safety and the integrity of their business.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on recent news reports. The details provided may change as new facts come to light. Please verify facts from official sources before drawing conclusions or making decisions based on this content.
